The basic definition of shearing is cutting metal into smaller pieces.

If we define shearing as cutting material then not only a shear can do this process but metal scissors, lasers, punch presses, etc can also do the same function.

Shears come in different tonnages and tolerance capabilities.

The more tonnage on a shear, the thicker the material can be sheared.

A shear has both a front and back gauge which lets you measure the length of your cut from either of the two sides of the shear.

Setup is the time it takes set the front or back gauge to the proper measurement and verifying that it is good.